Home schooling my 14 yo.

I have finally decided to write an email to the head teacher to de register my son from the school. He has quite low immunity and keeps falling sick, picking up any viruses that goes around. I have informed the school the reason for his absence but they are so into attendance and I can see that they weren't listening and kept on putting pressure. I am a tutor myself, therefore I am not worried about lessons. In fact we will do IGcse as my son is very keen and he is bright. My concern here is that he would like to join Watford Grammar Boys Sixth Form in a couple of year. Will they accept homeschoolers who has completed the GCSEs bit by bit? He is doing grade 6 piano and is a red belt taekwando. Any advice would be appreciated. Thx.

Is there a reason for his low immunity? Doesn't sound like a strong case for pulling him out to be honest. If there is an underlying health reason ok, but otherwise the focus should be boosting his immunity - bed earlier, change of diet etc.

Why not ask them? Discover what their attitude is likely to be. If he is likely to do credit to the school they are more likely to be sympathetic.

How serious is the immune side? I ask because Ds was v seriously affected with an immune condition and at one stage I considered HE for him, as it was affecting both academic and social life. But he was an out patient at GOSH with loadsa consultants etc. I think, tbh, people understand the v ill, the v v bright, the v unhappy, but less those who are a bit of those things, iyswim. So like the previous poster I would suggest you will need to make a strong case to WGS.

Better ask them: that's the only way to be sure. You could also ask about the number of IGCSEs he'd need and which subjects he should do in order to go in for the specific A levels he wants.

If there are other schools he would consider for sixth form, now might be a good time to check with them about their admissions requirements too. That way it wouldn't be a case of having all his eggs in one basket in case that school doesn't accept him.

Another point to consider is whether your son could/should start his A levels a year late if his health turns out not to be good enough to get the IGCSEs finished at the usual age even with the extra rest and flexibility he can get by being out of school.

I know where you are coming from with the school hot on attendance - ds2 thrives at school normally but lately has had huge chunks of time off, having contracted a disease in July. School not interested in anything other than their attendance stats. They even refuse to let him go to the medical room during lessons, telling him he has to go during breaks!

Thanks for all the support. I feel that I am not alone. I feel so much more at peace and so is my son. We have started on the healing, going out for walks in the woods and doing daily meditation. My son is a happier boy and has even written a very well thought through timetable! For me, his health and well being is priority. Furthermore education is wider than simply academic. His school rules by fear and shouting. He was not allowed home when he broke his arm because the teacher says so. Also there is never anyone in the medical room. These state schools will focus on the minimum and hope they can get away with it. The school has many young teachers barely out of their teens. Not exactly a favourable environment for anyone, let alone a child. So, if your child complains about his/her school, there could be some truth..ie we must listen.